Top 10 Take-A-Ways from EventWorld 2009

By Courtney Jordan

This past August, I attended my very first ISES EventWorld in San Francisco. This being my first trip to the national special event conference, I didn’t know much about what to expect. To my great surprise, I found that it was both very educational and provided networking opportunities above and beyond what I could have expected. For those who couldn’t attend this year, I felt it my duty to share the top 10 takeaways I took home from this year’s conference. This certainly does not cover it all, but I certainly encourage everyone to attend next year and hope you enjoy my favorite takeaways!

1. “Vuja De.” This is a phrase that we learned from Simon T. Bailey at the opening general session. The idea behind this mantra is to take a fresh set of eyes to look at something in a new way and understand it differently. In the event industry this certainly applies as we are always looking for new ways to be creative and these days stretch our dollar to new lengths.

2. When creating a production schedule, print the final copy on a bright colored paper so you can at a glance see that everyone is reading from the same version.

3. Social networking – we have all heard it. It’s big, and there is no denying it. From Facebook to Myspace, YouTube, to Twitter. Although to some it may seem a daunting world far-removed from reality, the reality is that it is a powerful force that can launch your business to new heights with the simple click of a button. The trick here is not to let yourself get overwhelmed. Come up with the right plan for you and your business and stick to it. Before you know it you will find yourself going to virtual lengths you never imagined and your business will thank you for it.

4. Photography at events - this is nothing new. When possible, try to have a professional photographer shoot your work. If that is not a feasible option, take some photos yourself from your cell phone. You can then upload them to Facebook or other online networking site. See Tip #3 for more info on that.

5. There is a lot to be said about ISES. Consider sharing with customers that you “only do business with other ISES members.” This not only enhances your credibility, but also the credibility of the organization and the caliber of vendors that you work with.

6. Don’t forget to call and ask for the business! In these economic times, we can’t just sit around and wait for the phone to ring. You have to earn your business by asking for it!

7. On the note of the economy, interesting factoid….50% of Fortune 500 companies started in times of economic uncertainty.

8. For most people, it takes at least 6 months to really see the return on your marketing efforts.

9. Esprit Awards – although it requires a great deal of work on the front end, submitting your work for one of the highest honors in the industry is well worth it in the end. Just ask some of the Dallas chapter winners from this past year!

10. At the very least, for those who attended this year’s conference you will know what I am referring to when I say that we all got to walk away with a very cool messenger bag to haul all our new-found ideas and notes back to Dallas in!